Hoefner, Merlyn N.Merlyn N. Hoefner, age 88, of Manitowoc, died on Saturday evening, August 26, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family.Merlie was born on May 8, 1929 in Manitowoc, son of the late Carl and Leona (Bashaw) Hoefner. He was a graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School with the class of 1947 and was also a graduate of the Fond du Lac Business College. On November 24, 1951 he married the love of his life, Betty Chermak at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Manitowoc. Merlie joined Cher-Make Sausage Company in 1950 and worked there until his retirement as Vice President. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Manitowoc Elks Club and a former member of the Manitowoc Optimist Club. Merlie was also a founding member of Branch River Country Club.Survivors include his wife: Betty, Manitowoc; three daughters: Judy Hoefner-Culligan, Manitowoc, Margaret and John Miller, Edina, MN, Liz and Bill Becker; two sons: Greg Hoefner, Chuck and Carol Hoefner, all of Manitowoc; eleven grandchildren: Matt (Stacey) Culligan, Chris (Mary) Culligan, Kate (Andrew) Barca, Chris Miller, Mackenzie Miller and special friend Chris Hui, Charles Miller, Lauren (Mike) Herbeck, Michael Becker, Molly (Nathaniel) Smith, Maggie (Ryan) Streu and Rachel Hoefner; 10 great grandchildren: Lindsey, Claire and Elise Culligan, Andrew and Charlotte Culligan, Audrey, Mikey and Jack Herbeck, Hannah Smith and baby boy Barca; two sisters: Beatrice Buss and Phyllis Elfner, both of Manitowoc. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was also preceded in death by an infant sister: Carol; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Art and Alice Chermak; and two brothers-in-law: Donald Buss and Robert Elfner.Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 1, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 North 14th Street), Manitowoc. Concelebrating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Dan Felton and Rev. Dan Schuster with entombment to follow at Calvary Mausoleum, Manitowoc.The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Pfeffer Funeral Home (928 South 14th Street), Manitowoc, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The visitation will continue on Friday morning, September 1, 2017 at Pfeffer Funeral Home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of morning prayers at 10:15 a.m.Condolences may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 2343, Manitowoc, WI. 54220 or by visiting www.pfefferfuneralhome.com.The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.We would like to thank Comfort Keepers, Holy Family Home Care and Hospice and his nighttime care givers, for Dad would not have been able to remain at home without your loving care.We would also like to thank Dr. Mark Herring and Ann, as well as the staffs of Holy Family Memorial Hospital and Next Step Rehabilitation Unit for the care and kindness given to Dad over the years.Merlie was a kind and generous man who enjoyed a good round of golf and watching a great Packer game with friends and family. His Manitowoc and Venice, FL friendships were very important to him. But above all, what he cherished most was his beloved wife and his family.